Infusion system with concurrent tpn/insulin infusion

ABSTRACT

An infusion system to provide concurrent TPN/insulin infusion including: a fluid administration set having a primary line in fluid communication with the TPN source, a secondary line in fluid communication with the insulin source, and a common outlet line; a pump operable to removably receive the fluid administration set, the pump being operable to concurrently move the TPN solution through the primary line in response to a TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution through the secondary line in response to an insulin solution flow rate signal; and a flow controller operable to provide the TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution flow rate signal to the pump. The flow controller is further operable to vary the TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution flow rate signal to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution provided to the common outlet line.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to medical devices. More specifically, the invention relates to infusion systems with concurrent total parenteral nutrition (TPN)/insulin infusion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infusion pumps are medical devices that deliver fluids, including nutrients and medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and pain relievers, into a patient's body in controlled amounts. Many types of pumps, including large volume, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), elastomeric, syringe, enteral, and insulin pumps, are used worldwide in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, and in the home. Clinicians and patients rely on pumps for safe and accurate administration of fluids and medications.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is used to feed a person intravenously when the gastrointestinal tract is nonfunctional or impaired, so that nutrition cannot be provided to the patient through eating. TPN solution can include sugar, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, trace elements, and various combinations thereof, as required for a particular patient.

Unfortunately, hyperglycemia is one complication associated with administration of TPN. Recent studies have highlighted that hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of cardiac complications, infection, systemic sepsis, acute renal failure, and death for patients receiving TPN. Glycemic control in these patients is crucial in maintenance of tolerable blood glucose levels, a fact further substantiated by correlated adverse outcomes.

In present practice, TPN solution administration is tapered to 50% of the required dosing for the patient to minimize hyperglycemia and avoid glucose shock. Insulin is premixed in the same IV bag or container with the TPN solution based on calculated requirements for the patient, adding to clinician time and risk of error. Insulin dosing also requires modulation based on monitored glucose levels during infusion. Subcutaneous insulin infusions can be administered to compensate for advancing hyperglycemia. For hypoglycemic situations, increased TPN (and specifically dextrose) delivery is indicated. Thus, infusion of both TPN and insulin as presently practiced is complex and time consuming.

It would be desirable to have an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion that would overcome the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides an infusion system for a patient for use with a TPN source of TPN solution and separate insulin source of insulin solution to provide concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, the infusion system including: a fluid administration set having a primary line in fluid communication with the TPN source, a secondary line in fluid communication with the insulin source, and a common outlet line in fluid communication with the primary line, the secondary line, and the patient; a pump operable to removably receive the fluid administration set, the pump being operable to concurrently move the TPN solution through the primary line in response to a TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution through the secondary line in response to an insulin solution flow rate signal; and a flow controller operable to provide the TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution flow rate signal to the pump. The flow controller is further operable to vary the TPN solution flow rate signal and the insulin solution flow rate signal to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution provided to the patient from the common outlet line.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method to concurrently deliver a TPN solution from a TPN source and an insulin solution from separate insulin source, the method including: providing a fluid administration set having a primary line, a secondary line, a common outlet line, and a pumping/mixing chamber between and in fluid communication with the primary line, the secondary line, and common outlet line; connecting the primary line to the TPN source; connecting the secondary line to the insulin source; allowing TPN fluid into the pumping/mixing chamber; allowing insulin solution into the pumping/mixing chamber; mixing the TPN solution and the insulin solution to generate an infusion mixture before the common outlet; with a positive displacement pump, driving the TPN solution through the common outlet line at a TPN dose rate and with a positive displacement pump, driving the insulin solution through the common outlet line at an insulin dose rate; and varying at least one of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution in the infusion mixture.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an operating mode option screen for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are infusion profile selection screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-41 are TPN infusion setup screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5F are insulin infusion setup screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a confirmation screen for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7J are operational screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for concurrently administering a TPN solution and an insulin solution in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another method for concurrently delivering a TPN solution and an insulin solution in accordance with the present invention.

Like elements share like reference numbers throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. The infusion system 100 for a patient 90 is for use with a TPN source or source container 102 of TPN solution and a separate insulin source or source container 104 of insulin solution. The infusion system 100 can concurrently deliver the TPN solution and the insulin solution, without requiring that the insulin be premixed in the same IV bag or container as the TPN solution or be administered by syringe boluses subcutaneously or a different pump or flow controller.

The infusion system 100 includes a fluid administration set 108, a pump 120 operable to removably receive the administration set 108, and a flow controller 130 operable to control flow through the administration set 108. The administration set 108 has a primary line 112 in fluid communication with the TPN source 102, a secondary line 114 in fluid communication with the insulin source 104, and a common outlet line 116 connected to and in operative fluid communication with the primary line 112, the secondary line 114, and the patient 90. The infusion system 100 can optionally include a glucose sensor 140 for providing feedback to the flow controller 130 and/or a user interface 200 providing input and/or output to a user 202. The user interface 200 can be integral to or can be separate from the infusion system 100. In one example, the user interface 200 is wired into the infusion system 100. In another example, the user interface 200 communicates wirelessly with the infusion system 100. The user 202 can be the patient 90 themselves or a caregiver of the patient 90.

In one embodiment, the pump 120 is a positive displacement pump and has a drive mechanism 105 that is operable on the fluid administration set 108 to concurrently move the TPN solution through the primary line 112 to the outlet line 116 in response to a TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution through the secondary line 114 to the outlet line 116 in response to an insulin solution flow rate signal 124. The flow controller 130 is operable to provide the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 to the drive mechanism 105 of the pump. The flow controller 130 is further operable to vary the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution provided to the common outlet line 116.

As best seen in FIG. 1A, in one embodiment the fluid administration set 108 comprises a cassette 110 including a primary inlet 113 joining a primary fluid passageway 112A in the cassette 110 into fluid communication with the primary line 112, a secondary inlet 117 joining a secondary fluid passageway 114A in the cassette into fluid communication with the secondary line 114, an outlet 109 in fluid communication with the outlet line 116, and a pumping/mixing chamber 106 covered by a resilient flexible membrane 107 and in fluid communication with the primary fluid passageway 112A, the secondary fluid passageway 114A, and the outlet 109. The drive mechanism 105 includes a motor M driving a plunger Pinto the membrane 107 covering the pumping/mixing chamber 106 in a reciprocating manner in response to a motor drive signal 123 from the flow controller 130. In addition, the flow controller 130 provides control signals 122, 124 and 125 respectively to operate a primary inlet valve 115, a secondary inlet valve 119 and an outlet valve 121 so as to mix and displace fluid from the pumping/mixing chamber 106 through the outlet 109 into the outlet line 116 with each cycle of the plunger P. In one embodiment, the motor M is a stepper motor that extends and retracts the plunger P to displace fluid from the pumping/mixing chamber 106. Therefore, the pump 120 acts on the cassette 110 and is operable to concurrently move the TPN solution through the primary line 112 in response to a TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution through the secondary line 114 in response to an insulin solution flow rate signal 124. The flow controller 130 is operable to provide to the pump 120 the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution flow rate signal 124. The flow controller 130 is further operable to vary the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 and the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution provided from the common outlet 116 to the patient 90. Thus, the flow controller 130 can vary the ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution in the infusion solution with time, as desired for a particular application. In one embodiment, the pump 120 is a Plum A+™ general purpose infusion system available from Hospira, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill. The cassette 110 is also available from Hospira, Inc. under the trademark PLUMSET™.

The TPN source 102 of TPN solution and the insulin source 104 of insulin solution can be any containers operable to hold liquid, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, rigid IV container, a syringe, or the like. The TPN solution can be any solution for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and can include sugar, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, electrolytes, trace elements, and the like, as required for a particular application. The insulin solution can include insulin in a solution such as in a saline solution, TPN solution, or the like. The concentration of the TPN solution and the insulin solution remain constant during the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

The pump 120 can be any pump operable to receive a fluid administration set in general or a cassette in particular. In one example, the cassette is a disposable cassette. In one example, the pump 120 pressurizes the primary line 112 and the secondary line 114, and valves in each of the primary line 112 and the secondary line 114 of the disposable cassette 110 govern the flow rate in each of the primary line 112 and the secondary line 114. In another example, the pump 120 varies impeller speed for impellers in each of the primary line 112 and the secondary line 114 to govern the flow rate in each of the primary line 112 and the secondary line 114.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow controller 130 can include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory can contain programming code executable by the processor to carry out a method of concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as described herein.

The flow controller 130 can provide a TPN ramp phase, a TPN continuous phase, a TPN taper phase, and/or a TPN Keep Vein Open (KVO) phase during the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as desired for a particular application. One skilled in the art will recognize in view of the present disclosure that the TPN KVO phase is really just a special case of a Continue at the Same or Different Rate TPN phase.

The TPN ramp phase ramps the TPN flow rate through the primary line 112 from zero to the TPN flow rate for the TPN continuous phase, such as can be used at the beginning of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. An exemplary TPN ramp phase is illustrated at Ramp portion 610 of FIG. 6 . Referring to FIG. 1 , for the TPN ramp phase the flow controller 130 can ramp the TPN solution flow rate signal from a value corresponding to a TPN dose rate of zero to a value corresponding to a continuous phase TPN dose rate. In one embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 at a value corresponding to an insulin dose rate of zero during the TPN ramp phase. In another embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 as a selected fraction of the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 during the TPN ramp phase to maintain the ratio of the TPN solution to the insulin solution as constant during the TPN ramp phase. In yet another embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 at a value corresponding to a continuous phase insulin dose rate during the TPN ramp phase.

The TPN continuous phase can maintain the TPN flow rate through the primary line 112 as constant. An exemplary TPN continuous phase is illustrated at Continuous portion 620 of FIG. 6 . Referring to FIG. 1 , for the TPN continuous phase the flow controller and can maintain the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 at a value corresponding to a continuous phase TPN dose rate and to maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 at a selected fraction of the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 during the TPN continuous phase. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 can be adjusted during the TPN continuous phase as desired to manually or automatically adjust for measured glucose levels of the patient.

The TPN taper phase can taper the TPN flow rate through the primary line 112 from the TPN flow rate for the TPN continuous phase, such as can be used at the end of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. An exemplary TPN taper phase is illustrated at TPN Taper option 306 of FIG. 3A. Referring to FIG. 1 , for the TPN taper phase the flow controller can taper the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 from a value corresponding to a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a value corresponding to a TPN dose rate of zero during the TPN taper phase. In one embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 at a value corresponding to an insulin dose rate of zero during the TPN taper phase. In another embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 as a selected fraction of the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 to maintain the ratio of the TPN solution to the insulin solution as constant during the TPN taper phase. In yet another embodiment, the flow controller 130 can maintain the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 at a value corresponding to a continuous phase insulin dose rate during the TPN taper phase.

The TPN Keep Vein Open (KVO) phase can step the TPN flow rate through the primary line 112 from the TPN flow rate for the TPN continuous phase to zero, such as can be used at the end of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. An exemplary TPN KVO phase is illustrated at KVO portion 630 of FIG. 6 . Referring to FIG. 1 , for the TPN KVO phase the flow controller 130 can decrease the TPN solution flow rate signal 122 from a value corresponding to a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a value corresponding to a Keep Vein Open (KVO) TPN dose rate after a TPN continuous phase. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize in view of the present disclosure that the TPN KVO phase is really just a special case of a Continue at the Same or Different Rate TPN phase.

The insulin flow rate can be adjusted by the user 202 on the fly, i.e., as the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion proceeds, as illustrated in FIGS. 7E-7H. Referring to FIG. 1 , the flow controller 130 can vary the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 from a first insulin solution flow rate signal to a second insulin solution flow rate signal in response to input of the second insulin solution flow rate signal by a user 202.

The insulin flow rate can also be adjusted in response to current glucose measurements for the patient 90. The infusion system 100 can also include a glucose sensor 140 operably connected to the patient 90 to monitor glucose level and to provide a glucose signal 92 to the flow controller 130. In one embodiment, the flow controller 130 is further operable to vary the insulin solution flow rate signal 124 from a first insulin solution flow rate signal to a second insulin solution flow rate signal in response to the glucose signal 92. In one embodiment, the glucose sensor 140 can provide the glucose signal 92 to an insulin therapy calculation system or algorithm, which then automatically programs (auto-programs or auto-populates) the flow controller 130 and populates a user interface 200 with updated delivery parameters, such as rate, volume and duration, and the like.

The infusion system 100 can also include a user interface 200 operably connected to the flow controller 130 to provide information for and/or receive instructions from the user 202. The user interface 200 is operable to display a TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion having a TPN Infusion profile and an Insulin Infusion profile. An exemplary TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot is illustrated at TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700 of FIG. 7A. Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the user interface 200 is further operable to display an Infusion Progression indicator on the TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion, the Infusion Progression indicator being operable to indicate a current state of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. In one embodiment, the user interface 200 is further operable to display an infusion portion selected from the group consisting of a Ramp portion, a Continuous portion, a Taper portion, and a KVO/continue rate portion. In one embodiment, the user interface 200 is a touch screen. In another embodiment, the user interface 200 is a combination of the electromechanical switches and a graphical display.

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate exemplary screens on the user interface of an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. For clarity of illustration, a hand icon in FIGS. 2-7 indicates interaction of the user 202 with the user interface 200.

FIG. 2 is an operating mode option screen for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. The user 202 can select Tap to Program TPN key 204 on the user interface 200 to initiate programming of a concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

FIGS. 3A-3C are infusion profile selection screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. The user can select a desired profile for concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the user interface 200 displays a TPN portion 300 for selecting the TPN infusion profile and an insulin portion 320 for selecting concurrent insulin infusion. In this example, the TPN portion 300 is associated with the primary line A and the insulin portion 320 is associated with the secondary line B. The TPN portion 300 can include a TPN Ramp option 302, a TPN Continuous option 304, and a TPN Taper option 306. The insulin portion 320 can include an Infusion option 322. In this example, the TPN Continuous option 304 is selected by default, and the TPN Ramp option 302, the TPN Taper option 306, and the Infusion option 322 are unselected. The user 202 selects the TPN Ramp option 302 and leaves the TPN Taper option 306 unselected. In this example, the unselected options are grayed out and the selected options are highlighted on the user interface 200.

In one embodiment, the TPN continuous option 304 is selected by default so that the user does not have to select the TPN continuous option 304. In one embodiment, the TPN Ramp option 302, the TPN Taper option 306, and the Infusion option 322 are unselected by default. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the selected an unselected options can be provided in any combination as desired for a particular application.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the user 202 selects the Infusion option 322 in the infusion portion 320. Referring to FIG. 3C, the user 202 has completed selection of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion profile and selects a Done key 330 to close out the profile selection and proceed to TPN infusion setup. The TPN Ramp option 302, the TPN Continuous option 304, and the Infusion option 322 are enabled as indicated by the highlighting.

FIGS. 4A-41 are TPN infusion setup screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the user interface 200 displays a TPN Infusion Setup portion 380 and a TPN Volume portion 410 displaying potential volumes of TPN solution available for selection, i.e., potential TPN solution container volumes. In this example, the user 202 selects 2 Las the TPN solution volume to match the TPN solution container volume of the TPN source connected to the disposable cassette.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the user interface 200 displays a TPN Continuous Phase portion 390 and a TPN Dose Unit portion 420. The TPN Continuous Phase portion 390 includes a TPN Phase Being Programmed indicator 392 and a TPN Solution Volume indicator 394. The TPN Dose Unit portion 420 displays potential dose units for selection. In this example, the user 202 selects ml/kg/day as the dose unit.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the user interface 200 displays a TPN Dose Unit indicator 396 in the TPN Continuous Phase portion 390, and a Desired TPN Dose box 432 and entry keypad 434 in the TPN Dose portion 430. The user can enter the desired TPN dose to be delivered during the TPN continuous phase in the Desired TPN Dose box 432 using the entry keypad 434. Referring to FIG. 4D, the desired TPN dose appears in the Desired TPN Dose box 432 and the user 202 selects a Done key 436 to close out the TPN Dose & Unit selection and proceed to a Weight selection.

Referring to FIG. 4E, the user interface 200 displays a TPN Dose indicator 398 in the TPN Continuous Phase portion 390, and a Weight box 442 and entry keypad 444 in the TPN Dose Unit portion 440. The user can enter the weight of the patient in the Weight box 442 using the entry keypad 444. Referring to FIG. 4F, the weight appears in the Weight box 442 and the user 202 selects a Done key 446 to close out the Weight selection and proceed to TPN Duration selection.

Referring to FIG. 4G, the user interface 200 displays a Weight indicator 400 and a TPN Rate indicator 402 in the TPN Continuous Phase portion 390. The numerical value for the rate in the TPN Rate indicator 402 is automatically calculated based on the dose, dose unit, and weight. The user interface 200 also displays a TPN Duration box 452 and entry keypad 454 in the TPN Dose Unit portion 450. The user can enter the desired TPN dose duration of the TPN continuous phase the TPN Duration box 452 using the entry keypad 454. Referring to FIG. 4H, the desired TPN dose appears in the TPN Duration box 452 and the user 202 selects a Done key 456 to close out the TPN Duration selection and proceed to TPN Options selection.

Referring to FIG. 41 , the user interface 200 displays a TPN Duration indicator 404 and a TPN Volume to Be Infused (VTBI) indicator 406 in the TPN Continuous Phase portion 390. The numerical value for the VTBI in the VTBI indicator 406 is automatically calculated based on the duration and rate. The user interface 200 also displays a TPN Continuous Program Options portion 460 including an End of Infusion Action section 462, a Nearing End of Infusion Alarm section 464, and an Air-in-Line Alarm section 468. The End of Infusion Action section 462 includes options to be performed after the TPN infusion is complete, such as a Keep Vein Open (KVO) option with rate value input to continue infusion at a reduced rate, a Continue Rate option to continue infusion at the previous rate, and a Stop option to end the infusion. In this example, the Keep Vein Open (KVO) option with a rate value of one ml/hr is selected. The Nearing End of Infusion Alarm section 464 includes enabling or disabling (On or Off) an optional alarm as the TPN infusion nears completion, with a value time input for the amount of time before the End of Infusion alarm is to occur. In this example, the Nearing End of Infusion Alarm is turned off. The Air-in-Line Alarm section 468 provides an air volume input value at which the Air-in-Line Alarm is to occur. In this example, the Air-in-Line Alarm is set to occur at an error volume of 250 mcl. The user 202 selects a Next key 470 to close out the Options selection and proceed to insulin infusion setup.

FIGS. 5A-5F are insulin infusion setup screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the user interface 200 displays an Insulin Infusion Setup portion 480 and an Insulin Concentration portion 510 displaying potential concentrations of insulin solution available for selection. In this example, the user 202 selects 1 unit/ml concentration as the insulin solution concentration.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the user interface 200 displays an Insulin Solution Concentration indicator 482 in the Insulin Infusion Setup portion 480 and potential volumes of insulin solution available for selection, i.e., potential insulin solution container volumes, in an Insulin Volume portion 520. In this example, the user interface 200 switches from the Insulin Concentration portion to the Insulin Volume portion 520 automatically when the user selects the insulin solution concentration in the Insulin Concentration portion. In this example, the user 202 selects a 100 ml as the insulin solution volume to match the insulin solution container volume of the insulin source connected to the disposable cassette.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the user interface 200 displays an Insulin Solution Concentration indicator 584 and an Insulin Solution Volume indicator 586 in an Insulin Infusion portion 490, which also includes the Insulin Duration indicator 504 showing the previously entered desired TPN dose duration (being the same as the desired insulin dose duration). The user interface 200 also displays a Desired Insulin Dose box 532 and entry keypad 534 in the Insulin Dose portion 530. The dose units are automatically selected to be the standard Units (of insulin)/L of TPN. The user can enter the desired insulin dose to be delivered during the TPN continuous phase in the Desired Insulin Dose box 532 using the entry keypad 534. Referring to FIG. 5D, the desired insulin dose appears in the Desired Insulin Dose box 532 and the user 202 selects a Done key 536 to close out the Insulin Dose & Unit selection and proceed to Insulin Options selection.

Referring to FIG. 5E, the user interface 200 displays an Insulin Volume to Be Infused (VTBI) indicator 506 and an Insulin Rate indicator 508 in the Insulin Continuous Phase portion 490. The insulin VTBI and insulin rate are automatically calculated from the insulin duration, the TPN VTBI, and the TPN rate entered and/or calculated previously. The user interface 200 also displays an Insulin Infusion Options portion 540 providing additional options for insulin administration and rate. The insulin infusion options allow independently titrating the insulin delivery or linking the insulin delivery to the TPN delivery in ways that cannot be achieved if the TPN solution and insulin solution are premixed in the same IV bag. When the Only When TPN in Continuous Phase button 542 is selected, insulin infusion is only provided when the TPN is in the continuous phase. In this example, the user 202 is selecting the Ramp and Taper button 544.

Referring to FIG. 5F, the Ramp and Taper button 544 is selected and the Only When TPN in Continuous Phase button 542 is deselected. During the ramp and taper portion of the infusion, the insulin infusion rate can be linked to the TPN infusion rate by selecting a Rate Linked to TPN button 546 or can be maintained at the insulin infusion rate used in the TPN continuous phase by selecting the Keep Continuous Phase Rate button 548. In this example, the Rate Linked to TPN button 546 is selected. The user 202 selects a Next key 550 to close out the Insulin Infusion Options selection and proceed to infusion confirmation.

FIG. 6 is a confirmation screen for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. The user can check the confirmation screen to verify that the TPN infusion parameters and insulin infusion parameters have been entered and calculated as desired.

The user interface 200 displays a confirmation screen 600 having a Ramp portion 610, a Continuous portion 620, and a KVO portion 630. The confirmation screen 600 further includes TPN infusion profiles 612, 622, 632 and insulin infusion profiles 614, 624, 634. In this example based on the previously entered parameters, the TPN infusion ramp 612 increases from zero to 133.33 ml/hr over 2.0 hours. The insulin infusion ramp 614, linked to the TPN infusion, increases from zero to 1.33 ml/hr over 2.0 hours. In this example, ramping is preset to 2 hours, but can also be altered as needed for a particular application. For the next 12 hours after the infusion ramp, the TPN continuous infusion 622 is maintained at 133.33 ml/hr and the insulin continuous infusion 624 is maintained at 1.33 ml/hr. Until stopped after the continuous infusion, the TPN KVO infusion 632 is maintained at 1.0 ml/hr and the insulin KVO infusion 634 is zero. The user 202 selects a Start key 650 to start the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

FIGS. 7A-7J are operational screens for an infusion system with concurrent TPN/insulin infusion in accordance with the present invention. The operational screens display numerical and graphical information for the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as planned and as the infusion proceeds.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the user interface 200 displays an Infusion Phase indicator 701, a TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700, a TPN Infusion portion 740, and an Insulin Infusion portion 760. The Infusion Phase indicator 701 displays the current phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

The TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot of the TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700 displays infusion profiles and visual status for two concurrent drug deliveries. The TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700 has a Ramp portion 710 with a Ramp Phase Time Remaining indicator 712, a Continuous portion 720 with a Continuous Phase Time Remaining indicator 722, and a KVO portion 730 with a KVO Phase Time Remaining indicator 732. A TPN Infusion profile 702 and an Insulin Infusion profile 704 display the injection rates of the TPN infusion and Insulin Infusion with time over the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. An Infusion Progression indicator 706 illustrates the current state of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. In this example, the TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700 preceding the Infusion Progression indicator 706 is grayed out.

The TPN Infusion portion 740 includes a Line A Activity indicator 742 (which can be animated to indicate that the Line A is pumping), a TPN Solution Volume indicator 744, a TPN Dose indicator 746, a TPN Dose Rate indicator 748, and a TPN VTBI indicator 750. The Insulin Infusion portion 760 includes a Line B Activity indicator 762 (which can be animated to indicate that the Line A is pumping), an Insulin Solution Volume indicator 764, an Insulin Dose indicator 766, an Insulin Rate indicator 768, and an Insulin VTBI indicator 770. The values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 and the Insulin Infusion portion 760 are updated as the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion proceeds. The values illustrated in the example of FIG. 7A are at the beginning of the ramp phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. The infusion rate of each line will gradually ramp over the next 2 hours until the continuous phase is reached.

Referring to FIG. 7B, this example shows the user interface 200 with 1:15 (hh:mm) of the ramp phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion remaining, as indicated by the position of the Infusion Progression indicator 706 and the value of the Ramp Phase Time Remaining indicator 712. The Infusion Phase indicator 701 displays the current phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as the ramp phase. The values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 and the Insulin Infusion portion 760 are updated for the present time in the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion.

Referring to FIG. 7C, this example shows the user interface 200 at the beginning of the continuous phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, as indicated by the position of the Infusion Progression indicator 706, the value (0:00) of the Ramp Phase Time Remaining indicator 712, and the value (12:00) of the Continuous Phase Time Remaining indicator 722.

The Infusion Phase indicator 701 displays the current phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as the continuous phase. The values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 and the Insulin Infusion portion 760 are updated for the present time in the continuous phase.

Referring to FIG. 7D, this example shows the user interface 200 during the continuous phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, as indicated by the position of the Infusion Progression indicator 706 and the value (5:13) of the Continuous Phase Time Remaining indicator 722. The VTBI values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 and the Insulin Infusion portion 760 are updated for the present time in the continuous phase. The dose values and rate values remain constant during the continuous phase.

FIGS. 7E-7H illustrate action by the user to titrate the insulin dose, through on the fly changes or hot titration. For example, when the measured blood glucose levels of the patient are elevated above the optimum range, the user 202 can increase the relative insulin infusion (units/L of TPN). Referring to FIG. 7E, the user 202 selects the Insulin Dose indicator 766. Referring to FIG. 7F, the user interface 200 displays a Desired Insulin Dose box 782 and entry keypad 784. Referring to FIG. 7G, the user 202 has entered the new desired insulin dose on the entry keypad 784 and the value of the new desired insulin dose (20 units/L of TPN in place of the previous 10 units/L of TPN) appears in the Desired Insulin Dose box 782. The user 202 selects a Start key 786 to restart the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion. Referring to FIG. 7H, the Insulin Dose indicator 766 displays the value for the new desired insulin dose (20 units/L of TPN), and the Insulin Rate indicator 768 and the Insulin VTBI indicator 770 display values of the insulin rate and the insulin VTBI, respectively, automatically calculated for the new desired insulin dose.

Referring to FIG. 7I, this example shows the user interface 200 during the continuous phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, as indicated by the position of the Infusion Progression indicator 706 and the value (1:00) of the Continuous Phase Time Remaining indicator 722. The VTBI values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 and the Insulin Infusion portion 760 are updated for the present time in the continuous phase. The Insulin Dose indicator 766 continues to display the value for the new desired insulin dose (20 units/L of TPN). The dose values and rate values remain constant during the continuous phase.

Referring to FIG. 7J, this example shows the user interface 200 at the beginning of the KVO phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, as indicated by the position of the Infusion Progression indicator 706, the value (0:00) of the Continuous Phase Time Remaining indicator 722, and the value (until stopped) of the KVO Phase Time Remaining indicator 732. The Infusion Phase indicator 701 displays the current phase of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as the KVO phase. The values presented in the TPN Infusion portion 740 reflect the End of Infusion Action selected, i.e., the Keep Vein Open (KVO) option with a rate value of one ml/hr displayed in the TPN Dose Rate indicator 748. The TPN VTBI indicator 750 displays KVO to indicate that the KVO phase will continue until stopped. The values presented in the Insulin Infusion portion 760 include the new desired insulin dose (20 units/L of TPN) from the previous continuous phase in the Insulin Dose indicator 766, and values of zero for the Insulin Rate indicator 768 and the Insulin VTBI indicator 770 to indicate that no insulin infusion is being performed during the KVO phase.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion can include different phases as desired for a particular application. The concurrent TPN/insulin infusion can include TPN ramp, TPN continuous, TPN taper, and/or KVO phases, and combinations thereof. The example of FIG. 7J concludes with a KVO phase. In another example, the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion can conclude with a TPN taper. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various phases can be of different durations, which can be input or are selectable by the user 202 via the user interface 200.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for concurrently administering a TPN solution and an insulin solution in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the method 800 can be performed using the infusion system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the method 800 can concurrently administer to a patient a TPN solution from a TPN source and an insulin solution from an insulin source. The method 800 includes: providing a disposable cassette 810 having a primary line, a secondary line, and a common outlet, the primary line and the secondary line being in fluid communication with the common outlet; connecting the TPN source to the primary line 820; connecting the insulin source to the secondary line 830; placing the common outlet in fluid communication with the patient 840; driving the TPN solution through the primary line 850 at a TPN dose rate; driving the insulin solution through the secondary line 860 at an insulin dose rate; mixing the TPN solution and the insulin solution in the disposable cassette to generate an infusion mixture before the common outlet 870; varying at least one of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate 880 to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution in the infusion mixture; and administering the infusion mixture to the patient 890.

The varying at least one of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate 880 can provide a TPN ramp phase, a TPN continuous phase, a TPN taper phase, and/or a TPN Keep Vein Open (KVO) phase during the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion as desired for a particular application.

To generate the TPN ramp phase, such as can be used at the beginning of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, the method 800 can include ramping the TPN dose rate from zero to a continuous phase TPN dose rate. An exemplary TPN ramp phase is illustrated at Ramp portion 610 of FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, the method 800 can maintain the insulin dose rate at zero during the TPN ramp phase. In another embodiment, the method 800 can maintain the insulin dose rate at a selected fraction of the TPN solution flow rate during the TPN ramp phase. In yet another embodiment, the method 800 can maintain the insulin dose rate at a continuous phase insulin dose rate during the TPN ramp phase.

To generate the TPN continuous phase, which maintains the TPN dose rate constant, the method 800 can include maintaining the TPN dose rate at a continuous phase TPN dose rate and maintaining the insulin dose rate at a selected fraction of the continuous phase TPN dose rate. An exemplary TPN continuous phase is illustrated at Continuous portion 620 of FIG. 6 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insulin dose rate can be adjusted during the TPN continuous phase as desired to manually or automatically adjust for measured glucose levels of the patient.

To generate the TPN taper phase, such as can be used at the end of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, the method 800 can include tapering the TPN dose rate from a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a TPN dose rate of zero. An exemplary TPN taper phase is illustrated at TPN Taper option 306 of FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, the method 800 can include maintaining the insulin solution dose rate at zero during the TPN taper phase. In another embodiment, the method 800 can include maintaining the insulin solution dose rate at a selected fraction of the TPN solution dose rate to maintain the ratio of the TPN solution to the insulin solution as constant during the TPN taper phase. In yet another embodiment, the method 800 can include maintaining the insulin solution dose rate at a continuous phase insulin and dose rate during the TPN taper phase.

To generate the TPN Keep Vein Open (KVO) phase, such as can be used at the end of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, the method 800 can include decreasing the TPN dose rate from a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a Keep Vein Open (KVO) TPN dose rate. An exemplary TPN KVO phase is illustrated at KVO portion 630 of FIG. 6 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various phases can be of different durations, which can be input or are selectable by the user 202 via the user interface 200.

The method 800 can include the user adjusting the insulin flow rate on the fly, i.e., as the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion proceeds, as illustrated in FIGS. 7E-7H. When the insulin dose rate of the driving the insulin solution through the secondary line 860 at an insulin dose rate is a first insulin dose rate, the method 800 can include driving the insulin solution at a second insulin dose rate in response to input of the second insulin dose rate by a user. The second insulin dose rate can adjust for measured glucose levels of the patient.

To avoid hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia in the patient, the method 800 can include monitoring glucose level in the patient and adjusting the insulin dose rate in response to the monitored glucose level. In one embodiment, the method 800 can include changing the insulin dose rate from a first insulin dose rate to a second insulin dose rate in response to the monitored glucose level. In one embodiment, a glucose sensor can provide the monitored glucose level to an insulin therapy calculation system or algorithm, which then automatically programs (auto-programs or auto-populates) the flow controller and populates the user interface with updated delivery parameters, such as rate, volume and duration, and the like.

To allow the user to monitor progress of the concurrent TPN/insulin infusion, the method 800 can include displaying planned values of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate as a function of time on a TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot, and optionally displaying an Infusion Progression indicator at a present infusion time on the TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot. An exemplary TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot is illustrated at TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion 700 of FIG. 7A. The TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot portion can include a TPN Infusion profile and an Insulin Infusion profile. In one embodiment, the method 800 can include displaying an infusion portion selected from the group consisting of a Ramp portion, a Continuous portion, a Taper portion, and a KVO portion.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, a method 900 is shown to concurrently deliver a TPN solution from a TPN source container and an insulin solution from an insulin source container that is separate from the TPN source container. The method 900 includes, in step 910, providing a fluid administration set having a primary line, a secondary line, a common outlet line, and a pumping/mixing chamber located between and in fluid communication with the primary line, the secondary line and the common outlet line. The method 900 includes, in step 920, connecting the primary line to the TPN source container and, in step 930, connecting the secondary line to the insulin source container. The method 900 further includes, in step 940, selectively allowing the primary line to feed TPN solution from the primary line to the pumping/mixing chamber and, in step 950, selectively allowing the secondary line to feed insulin solution to the pumping/mixing chamber. The method 900 includes, in step 960, mixing the TPN solution and the insulin solution in the pumping/mixing chamber to generate an infusion mixture before the common outlet line. The method 900 further includes, in step 970, driving with a positive displacement pumping mechanism the TPN solution from the pumping/mixing chamber through the common outlet line at a TPN dose rate, and concurrently with said driving the TPN solution step, in step 980, driving with the positive displacement pumping mechanism the insulin solution from the mixing chamber through the common outlet line at an insulin dose rate. The method 900 also includes, in step 990, varying at least one of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution in the infusion mixture.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes, rearrangement of steps, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. 

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. A method to concurrently deliver a TPN solution from a TPN source container and an insulin solution from an insulin source container that is separate from the TPN source container, the method comprising: providing a fluid administration set having a primary line, a secondary line, a common outlet line, and a pumping/mixing chamber located between and in fluid communication with the primary line, the secondary line and the common outlet line; connecting the primary line to the TPN source container; connecting the secondary line to the insulin source container; selectively allowing the primary line to feed TPN solution from the primary line to the pumping/mixing chamber; selectively allowing the secondary line to feed insulin solution to the pumping/mixing chamber; mixing the TPN solution and the insulin solution in the pumping/mixing chamber to generate an infusion mixture before the common outlet line; driving with a positive displacement pumping mechanism the TPN solution from the pumping/mixing chamber through the common outlet line at a TPN dose rate; and concurrently with said driving the TPN solution, driving with the positive displacement pumping mechanism the insulin solution from the mixing chamber through the common outlet line at an insulin dose rate; varying at least one of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate to vary a ratio of TPN solution to insulin solution in the infusion mixture.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the varying comprises ramping the TPN dose rate from zero to a continuous phase TPN dose rate during a user selectable duration.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the varying comprises maintaining the TPN dose rate at a continuous phase TPN dose rate and maintaining the insulin dose rate at a selected fraction of the continuous phase TPN dose rate.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein the varying comprises tapering the TPN dose rate from a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a TPN dose rate of zero during a user selectable duration.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein the varying comprises decreasing the TPN dose rate from a continuous phase TPN dose rate to a Keep Vein Open (KVO) TPN dose rate during a user selectable duration.
 24. The method of claim 19 wherein the insulin dose rate is a first insulin dose rate and the method further comprises driving the insulin solution at a second insulin dose rate in response to input of the second insulin dose rate by a user.
 25. The method of claim 19 further comprising monitoring glucose level in the patient and adjusting the insulin dose rate in response to the monitored glucose level.
 26. The method of claim 19 further comprising displaying planned values of the TPN dose rate and the insulin dose rate as a function of time on a TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot, and displaying an Infusion Progression indicator at a present infusion time on the TPN/Insulin Infusion Plot. 